Count Marcellinus and his Chronicle

Brian Croke

First comprehensive and detailed study of Marcellinus and his chronicle

Offers a new model for investigating and evaluating late antique chronicles

Explains the importance of religion and regional affiliation, rather than ethnicity, as key elements in a late antique writer's identity

Highlights the distinctive historiographical purpose and nature of chronicles such as that of Marcellinus

Count Marcellinus and his Chronicle

Brian Croke

Description

Count Marcellinus and his Chronicle constitutes the first comprehensive study of Marcellinus, a courtier of the emperor Justinian, and his chronicle covering the eastern Roman world from AD 379 to 534. Brian Croke casts new light on the career of Marcellinus and develops a case for understanding his Latin chronicle as an essentially Byzantine document written by an educated imperial official. This book also enriches our understanding of society and politics in the imperial capital and raises broader questions about Christian life, liturgy, and culture in the sixth century, particularly the central role of imperial and religious ceremonial in Byzantine public life.

Count Marcellinus and his Chronicle

Brian Croke

Author Information

Brian Croke is the Executive Director of the Catholic Education Commission, New South Wales.

Count Marcellinus and his Chronicle

Brian Croke

Reviews and Awards

"In this study of Count Marcellinus, a sixth-century Byzantine chronicler, Brian Croke makes a significant contribution to the early-medieval history of Byzantium and the Latin West. The book does far more than put a little known figure in the Justinianic ear on the map, providing nuanced interpretation of many aspects of Christian life, especially religious and imperical ceremonial at Constantinople. It also serves as a guide for investigating late-antique chronicles in general." --Speculum